I'm not crazy about Facebook for my personal use, as I have created two accounts thus far and have deleted both. However, for a library it is a good way to connect with readers to let them know about events, show pictures of events that have happened and books!
One social network I do like a lot is Twitter. The option of being able to retweet and reach different groups is great. I personally follow publishing houses, blogs, authors, ALA, news agencies and other random people and things and have been somewhat surprised on who has added me. I don't make many comments, but I do retweet quite a bit if I think things are of interest in the industry at large. It keeps me informed quickly, and if I feel the need to find out additional information then I do so. A library may snag someone's interest with a short tweet, then add a FB link so patrons can get more information from the library's Facebook site. Of course, the main website of our library also has links to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, flickr, and a Blogger site. Utilizing these formats are a great way to stay in touch with the younger generation, and the older one too! I think having knowledge of how to use these social networks are imperative for the future of libraries and also my career.
MUVE
I had never heard of MUVE before, but when I saw this I thought of seniors and kids immediately. Although it wouldn't need to be limited to those two groups. The videos could be used in place of an actual instructor - if an area has a hard time getting one to volunteer - and has a wide range of the types of moves that people can perform. Kids are great at spontaneity, and although adults sometimes prefer instruction, these are casual enough that if they don't get a particular movement right away, it's not a big deal. These could be an something easily added as an "event" for a library. For my library branch, there are small buses that will pick up and drop off seniors directly to our location if they cannot drive or get a ride, and MUVE would be a good way for them to get exercise. Even if transportation is not an issue, some may not be able to afford a gym or class. Plus they can check out materials before they leave! A win for the library either way!
REVIEW
This entire blog has reviews of books for my other class, but I decided to review my favorite blog instead of just suggesting to look at the other pages. Since romance readers account for a large portion of libraries patrons (at least they are at mine), I thought I'd tell other students who may not know about the Smart Bitches, Trashy Books blog. I get daily emails from them and, to me, they are funny and don't take themselves too seriously. Here is a silly example:
There are more serious reviews than above, and they do discuss serious social issues such as rape, abuse and discrimination. Although the bloggers don't take themselves seriously all the time, it is a business. Their goal is to get you to buy books through their site. What's is nice is that they do tell you what is on sale daily, usually $3.99 and under, but mainly $.99 -1.99. However, their reviews are good and thorough and I like reading these much more than I do trying to slog through Goodreads or worse, Amazon. They make fun of the stereotypes that people have of romance readers while making fun of the genre at the same time. There is some swearing and discussions of "man titty" (on the cover of so many books), and how ridiculous it is that the men on the covers have their shirts unbuttoned but still tucked in!? So it's not a site I'd recommend to more "sensitive" readers. But it is a hoot and I recommend many romance readers to this site, and they thank me for it. Especially the patrons who are voracious readers, and those that like eBooks. It can also be helpful for readers to find other authors. There are also many other things including podcasts, interviews with authors, and the always zany "Help a Bitch Out" forum that tries to help a reader find a particular book - usually with highly amusing recollections with sketchy details. Check it out, it's fun and gives an idea of what some romance readers like if you aren't familiar with the genre.
www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com
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